Black History Month Children's Books

Great Books to Inspire Conversation For Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, we've rounded up five of the best books around to inspire conversation with your kids. From President Obama's Of Thee I Sing, a tribute to the people and ideals that shaped our nation, to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's brand new book, What Color Is My World? The Lost History of African-American Inventors, there's something to inspire dialogue with kids of every age and interest.

A Story of Hard Work and Perseverence: A Chair For My Mother

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Originally published in 1984, A Chair For My Mother is a timeless story that places emphasis on the value of a strong work ethic and family togetherness. When the protagonist's family's apartment is destroyed in a fire, three generations band together to save up for the perfect armchair for the hardworking mother, who is always on her feet. Beautifully illustrated (by the author), the book is appropriate for kids ages 3 and up.

A Story of American Ideals: Of Thee I Sing, A Letter to My Daughters

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In President Obama's moving letter to his daughters, he pays tribute to Americans who helped shaped the ideals of our nation, including Georgia O'Keefe, Jackie Robinson, and George Washington. No matter your political views, Of Thee I Sing inspires a dialogue about what it means to be an American, and opens up discussion about some of our country's greatest historical figures.

A Story of Hope: I Dream of Trains

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Set in 19th-century Mississippi, I Dream of Trains is the story of an African American boy who works in the cotton fields, constantly daydreaming of his hero, Casey Jones, whose trains whistle as they whiz past the fields. When Casey is killed in a wreck, the boy's father gives him the courage and confidence to continue striving towards a better, more adventuresome life for himself, despite the loss of his hero.

A Story of Empowerment: Seeds of Change

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Seeds of Change is the inspirational story of Wangari Maathai, the first African woman and environmentalist to win the Nobel Peace Prize. As a girl, Maathai broke boundaries in her Kenyan town, where she was one of a select group of females who attended school. There, she flourished, going on to promote women's rights in Kenya, and to help protect the country's valuable natural resources.